Front: Top Front199764613Top Story230112Tue, 31 Mar 2015 16:41:17 EDTThu, 3 Jun 2010 10:55:46 EDTFri, 4 Apr 2014 17:05:45 EDT150GenericTop Story/topstory/npc-news.sentinelandenterprise.com4746996Sentinel & Enterprise106http://www.sentinelandenterprise.comwww.sentinelandenterprise.comfeeds.sentinelandenterprise.com27817099SE_Breaking_AshbyRecall.htmtrue**Breaking News Local NewsBy Anna Burgess, aburgess@sentinelandenterprise.comMon, 30 Mar 2015 21:00:45 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 21:00:46 EDTSun, 30 Mar 2025 21:00:39 EDTTue, 31 Mar 2015 11:32:50 EDTTue, 31 Mar 2015 11:32:01 EDT3652falseBy Anna Burgess&#44; aburgess&#64;sentinelandenterprise&#46;com2015-03-30T21:00:45-04:0020150331T113250-04002015-03-30T21:01:00-04:0020150331T113201-04002015033003/30/20152025-03-30T21:00:39-04:0098YAshby ousts Selectman Ingerson in recall vote; Haines elected to succeed himASHBY -- With less than 30 percent of the vote, Selectman Steve Ingerson was recalled from his position as selectman Monday night.ASHBY -- With less than 30 percent of the vote, Selectman Steve Ingerson was recalled from his position as selectman Monday night.<p>ASHBY -- With less than 30 percent of the vote, Selectman Steve Ingerson was recalled from his position as selectman Monday night. Longtime Ashby resident Mark Haines was voted in by an overwhelming majority to take Ingerson's place. </p><p>The recall effort, started in November by Selectmen Janet Flinkstrom and Michael McCallum, centered around Ingerson's refusal to sign payroll and vendor warrants. The warrants allow the town's employees and business partners to be paid once selectmen sign off on them, and McCallum and Flinkstrom cited frustration with Ingerson slowing the payment process as their reason for beginning the recall petition. </p><p>Ingerson, however, argued that he was working to curb wasteful spending of taxpayer money. He claimed on his website, <a href="http://Ashbyyouneedtoknow.com" >Ashbyyouneedtoknow.com</a>, that his fellow selectmen began the recall effort because they were afraid he would expose illegal activity within town government. </p><p>After Monday night's vote, Ingerson could not be reached for comment. </p><p>The petition for Ingerson's recall gathered more than 500 signatures, resulting in Monday's special election. </p><p>The two-part ballot asked voters first if they wished to recall Ingerson, and second, who they wanted to replace him. The second question had three options: Ingerson, former Finance Committee member Lillian Whitney, and Haines, a former member of the Historic Commission. </p><p>The polls were open from noon to 7:30 p.m. A total of 535 voters cast their ballots, almost 25 percent of the registered voters in town, of which 377 votes were cast in favor of the recall and 155 against. Three voters left that question blank. </p><p>Once Ingerson was recalled, of the three candidates to fill the seat, Haines received 72 percent of the vote, with 386 ballots cast in his favor. Ingerson received 29 percent with 110 votes, and Whitney received less than 1 percent, with 29 votes. Nine voters left that question blank, and one wrote in a candidate.</p><iframe src="//embed.scribblelive.com/Embed/v5.aspx?Id=1174800&ThemeId=14247" width="600" height="1500" frameborder="0"></iframe><a href="http://Ashbyyouneedtoknow.com">Ashbyyouneedtoknow.com</a>

Steve Ingerson

42228783http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0331/20150331_093120_SE_012215_Recall02.jpg20001334219200542228779http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0331/20150331_093120_SE_012215_Recall02_100.jpg100674607742228786http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0331/20150331_093120_SE_012215_Recall02_200.jpg2001334968142228785http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0331/20150331_093120_SE_012215_Recall02_300.jpg3002005414442228780http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0331/20150331_093120_SE_012215_Recall02_400.jpg4002675975042228782http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0331/20150331_093120_SE_012215_Recall02_500.jpg500334659191/breakingnewsashby-recalled-selectman-ingerson-haines-take-his-placetrue106Ashby ousts Selectman Ingerson in recall vote; Haines elected to succeed him9http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/breakingnews/ci_27817099/ashby-recalled-selectman-ingerson-haines-take-his-placeNewsposition127820100imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0331/20150331_093120_SE_012215_Recall02.jpgSteve Ingerson2781379800850276ap7USKennedyInstitutetrueUS Kennedy Institute 32518By David Espo And Nedra Pickler Associated PressMon, 30 Mar 2015 11:49:55 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 11:50:01 EDTSun, 30 Mar 2025 19:34:37 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 19:36:48 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 19:34:54 EDT3652falseBy David Espo And Nedra Pickler Associated Press2015-03-30T11:49:55-04:0020150330T193648-04002015-03-30T11:50:48-04:0020150330T193454-04002015033003/30/20152025-03-30T19:34:37-04:002423YObama: Politicians should carry themselves more like KennedyBOSTON (AP) &mdash; President Barack Obama summoned today's quarrelsome political leaders on Monday to emulate the late Sen.BOSTON (AP) &mdash; President Barack Obama summoned today's quarrelsome political leaders on Monday to emulate the late Sen.<p>BOSTON (AP) — President Barack Obama summoned today's quarrelsome political leaders on Monday to emulate the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy in the pursuit of compromise, and said a new institute that bears the longtime Massachusetts senator's name can be as much an antidote to political cynicism as the man once was.</p> <p>"What if we carried ourselves more like Ted Kennedy? What if we were to follow his example a little bit harder?" the president asked a crowd of family, former aides and political dignitaries of both parties under a tent in raw weather just outside the doors of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute.</p> <p>"To his harshest critics who saw him as nothing more than a partisan lightning rod, that might sound foolish," the president added. "But there are Republicans here for a reason."</p> <p>Among them were former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott of Mississippi, who is on the institute's board of directors, and Sen. John McCain of Arizona, who said he recalled how much he enjoyed fighting with the Massachusetts colleague in the Senate.</p> <p>"It's getting harder to find someone who loves a good fight as much as he did," said McCain, who has spoken less highly of tea party-aligned members of his own party with whom he has had differences. "The place hasn't been the same without him."</p> <p>The $79 million institute stands next to the John F. Kennedy presidential library on Boston's Columbia Point. The late senator envisioned the facility before he was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2008. He died in 2009.</p> <p>The centerpiece of the new facility is a replica of the Senate floor where Kennedy had a desk for 47 years.</p> <p>Envisioning children visiting the institute and playing the role of senator, Obama said the institute can help change the cynicism that permeates politics. "Imagine a gaggle of school kids clutching tablets, turning cloakrooms into classrooms. Imagine their moral universe expanding as they hear about the great battles" that have been waged in the Senate.</p> <p>Kennedy was known during his career as a liberal partisan, but the president said Republicans also knew him as "someone who was willing to take half a loaf" and then endure the anger of supporters who had wanted him to hold out for more.</p> <p>Vice President Joe Biden said Kennedy "treated me like a little brother" when Biden first arrived in 1973, helping him land choice committee assignments not generally available to freshmen senators. He said Kennedy introduced him around the Senate and was a master at generating trust and mutual respect.</p> <p>"All politics is personal," Biden said. "No one in my life understood that better than Ted Kennedy."</p> <p>Trent Lott noted the irony of his inclusion on the institute's board of directors, along with former Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle. "Yes, a Republican from Mississippi," said Lott, to laughter and applause, "is proud to be here today."</p> <p>Lott said although the two disagreed and had "some fiery discussions," they came together sometimes in a bipartisan way. Lott recalled after he worked with Kennedy on an immigration bill that lost on a procedural vote in 2007, he told him, "Ted, every time I work with you I get in trouble, man."</p> <p>"But just think how different things would be now if we passed immigration reform in 2007," he added to applause.</p> <p>Kennedy's widow, Victoria Kennedy, said her late husband hoped the institute would honor the nearly 2,000 who have served there and inspire future senators. She said he wanted visitors to feel the awe of walking into the chamber.</p> <p>Guests, including student groups, will be able to role-play as senators and debate some of the major issues of the day. The facility also includes a re-creation of Kennedy's Senate office, virtually unchanged from how it appeared when he died.</p> <p>"He believed in the majesty of the place and its ability to inspire," she said. She said he wanted visitors to feel "politics is a noble profession, even if it's messy, even if it's hard."</p> <p>———</p> <p>Associated Press writer Bob Salsberg contributed to this report. Pickler reported from Washington.</p>

In this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, a passer-by walks near the open doors to a replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

In this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, a bust of the late U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, right, rests on a mantel in a replica of the U.S. Senate office once belonging to his brother, the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

In this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, a framed photograph of Rose Kennedy, mother of U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, rests on a desk once belonging to the late senator, displayed in a replica of his U.S. Senate office at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

In this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, the late U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, center left, is surrounded by children in a framed photograph that rests on a desk he once owned, displayed in a replica of his U.S. Senate office at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet supporters on the tarmac at Logan Airport in Boston Monday, March. 30, 2015, upon their arrival on Air Force One. Obama is speaking at the dedication for the $79 million Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which sits next to the presidential library of Kennedy?s brother, John F. Kennedy. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)

In this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, historic images are projected on the walls of a hallway at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

In this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, a passer-by walks near the engraved name of the late U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy near the main entrance to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

President Barack Obama prepares to give Victoria Reggie Kennedy a kiss as he arrives to speaks at the dedication of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, Monday, March 30, 2015, in Boston. The $79 million Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate dedication is a politically star-studded event attended by President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden and past and present senators of both parties. It sits next to the presidential library of Kennedy?s brother, John F. Kennedy. From left are, Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Edward Markey, D-Mass., the president, Vice President Joe Biden and Kennedy (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

In this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, a full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber is displayed inside the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet supporters on the tarmac at Logan Airport in Boston Monday, March. 30, 2015, upon their arrival on Air Force One. Obama is speaking at the dedication for the $79 million Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which sits next to the presidential library of Kennedy?s brother, John F. Kennedy. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)

JOSH REYNOLDS&#47;AP42215647http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p6.jpg4802973285042215650http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p6_100.jpg10062563742215651http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p6_200.jpg200124985842215652http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p6_300.jpg3001861536642215653http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p6_400.jpg4002482143710obama-attend-opening-institute-honoring-sen-kennedytrue333Obama: Politicians should carry themselves more like Kennedy24position227813803imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p2.jpgIn this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, the late U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, center left, is surrounded by children in a framed photograph that rests on a desk he once owned, displayed in a replica of his U.S. Senate office at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)Steven Senne/APposition327813806imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p3.jpgIn this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, historic images are projected on the walls of a hallway at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)Steven Senne/APposition427813807imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p4.jpgIn this Monday, March 23, 2015 photo, a passer-by walks near the engraved name of the late U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy near the main entrance to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, in Boston. The $79 million institute is scheduled to be dedicated on Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)Steven Senne/APposition527813805imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p5.jpgPresident Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet supporters on the tarmac at Logan Airport in Boston Monday, March. 30, 2015, upon their arrival on Air Force One. Obama is speaking at the dedication for the $79 million Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which sits next to the presidential library of Kennedy?s brother, John F. Kennedy. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)JOSH REYNOLDS/APposition627814225imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site333/2015/0330/20150330__USKennedyInstitute~p6.jpgPresident Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama greet supporters on the tarmac at Logan Airport in Boston Monday, March. 30, 2015, upon their arrival on Air Force One. Obama is speaking at the dedication for the $79 million Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, which sits next to the presidential library of Kennedy?s brother, John F. Kennedy. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds)JOSH REYNOLDS/AP27812815LS_032915_Pipeline.htmtrueFrontBy Todd Feathers, tfeathers@lowellsun.comMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:32:26 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:32:27 EDTSun, 30 Mar 2025 06:32:21 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 15:04:55 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 15:04:32 EDT3651falseBy Todd Feathers&#44; tfeathers&#64;lowellsun&#46;com2015-03-30T06:32:26-04:0020150330T150455-04002015-03-30T06:32:48-04:0020150330T150432-04002015033003/30/20152025-03-30T06:32:21-04:0065YNatural-gas pipeline opponents target contractsOpponents of a proposed natural-gas pipeline that would run through parts of eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, and end in Dracut, are attempting to stop the project by obstructing deals signed by regional utility companies to buy gasOpponents of a proposed natural-gas pipeline that would run through parts of eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, and end in Dracut, are attempting to stop the project by obstructing deals signed by regional utility companies to buy gas<p>Opponents of a proposed natural-gas pipeline that would run through parts of eastern Massachusetts and southern New Hampshire, and end in Dracut, are attempting to stop the project by obstructing deals signed by regional utility companies to buy gas from the pipeline. </p><p>Kinder Morgan, the company behind the project, has said for more than a year that it has secured preliminary contracts with companies like National Grid and Liberty Utilities to purchase about 40 percent of the 1.2 billion cubic feet per day of gas that the pipeline, in its smallest form, could supply to the region. </p><p>Those deals require approval by state public utilities commissions, however, and opposition groups hope that by intervening in the commissions' proceedings they can block or at least substantially delay approval of the deals. If successful, they say, it could allow competing pipeline projects to overtake Kinder Morgan's and make that pipeline commercially unviable. </p><p>"I am confident that some of the competing projects will come online quicker and that will be the demise of this proposal," said Vincent DeVito, an attorney representing Northeast Energy Solutions, a consortium of environmental groups fighting the pipeline. </p><p>Kinder Morgan's largest competitor, in terms of capacity, is a billion-cubic-feet-per-day pipeline expansion proposed by Spectra Energy. Groups fighting Kinder Morgan's project argue that Spectra's alternative is preferable, because it follows an existing pipeline path and will be less damaging to fragile environments. </p><p>Spectra's plan also does not cross the Merrimack Valley, coming north from Lambertville, N.J., east through New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island, then through South Shore communities into Boston. </p><p>In the race between Kinder Morgan, Spectra and others to secure deals, one of the most sought-after customers is the state of Maine. </p><p>In 2013, the state's Legislature passed a law granting the Maine Public Utility Commission authority to purchase pipeline capacity with taxpayer dollars in order to encourage the construction of more pipelines to New England and thereby reduce energy costs. </p><p>But the commission's examination of which pipeline to purchase capacity on, if any, is moving slowly, and Kinder Morgan is eager to secure commitments before it takes the all-important step of filing an application to build its pipeline with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. </p><p>"To justify the effort to prepare such a filing, an applicant prefers to have the commercial commitments in place before it begins preparation of the application," Kinder Morgan wrote in a February request asking the Maine commission to make its decision by June 15. </p><p>"To the extent the Commission fails to complete its review by June 15, 2015, at a minimum, and there are not sufficient contractual commitments to move to the Certificate application filing stage in September 2015," it could delay by at least a year any energy-cost relief brought by the pipeline's construction, the Kinder Morgan filing went on to say. </p><p>Earlier this month, DeVito and Northeast Energy Solutions succeeded in convincing the commission not to hurry its review. </p><p>In an interview with The Sun, Kimberly Watson, east-region natural-gas pipeline president for Kinder Morgan, said the company still plans to file its application with FERC in September, whether or not it has secured sufficient commercial commitments. </p><p>"If we don't have the project fully subscribed by the time we make our FERC filing, we'll continue to market it," Watson said, adding that it is not unusual for the company to be in that position when building a pipeline. </p><p>She said Kinder Morgan's board of directors would ultimately decide whether to move forward with the project when the time comes, based on the commitments secured. She declined to estimate what percent of the pipeline's capacity will need to be spoken for if the project is to be commercially viable. </p><p>"Usually, a pipeline has to have 100 or somewhere near 100 percent to feel good about the commercial commitments necessary for a project of this size," said Richard Levitan, a Boston-based energy industry analyst. </p><p>Levitan and several other analysts agreed that there is no doubt New England is in an energy drought and that new pipeline infrastructure is necessary to bring down regional energy prices, which are the highest in the country. </p><p>The question for local opponents is whether Kinder Morgan can corner a sufficient portion of the market before its competitors. </p><p>"With further delay, it would delay that cycle of permits, regulatory (approval), and construction," said Jon Sorenson, president and CEO of Competitive Energy Services, an energy industry consultancy that supports the Kinder Morgan pipeline. </p><p>In a 2014 study, CES estimated that the flow of an additional two billion cubic feet of natural gas per day into the region could save energy consumers $600 million each year in reduced rates. </p><p>Kinder Morgan has said its pipeline could be scaled up to transmit as much as 2.2 billion cubic feet per day, if there are companies willing to buy it. </p><p>So far, Liberty Utilities, which is partially owned by Kinder Morgan, is the only public company to seek approval of its deal to buy gas from the pipeline. Other companies said they plan to begin the process in coming months. </p><p>But the Liberty Utilities deal must first overcome a challenge before the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission by the Massachusetts Pipeline Awareness Network (MassPLAN), an umbrella organization that includes Dracut Pipeline Awareness, </p><p>MassPLAN will offer expert testimony contradicting Liberty Utilities' claim that the deal with Kinder Morgan is best for its customers, said Richard Kanoff, the group's attorney. </p><p>"The Kinder Morgan pipeline is the worst option available because of the environmental impacts, and the fact is it's not needed," he said. </p><p>The chances such a challenge will succeed in killing the deal entirely are slim, said Ashley Brown, director of the Harvard Electricity Policy Group. </p><p>"I think it's highly improbable, based on utility regulators and what they do," he said. "You'd have to produce a really compelling issue, and I haven't heard one." </p><p>But in the end, pipeline opposition groups don't necessarily need to win their arguments if they can delay the process long enough for the Spectra pipeline or other projects to advance past Kinder Morgan's. </p><p>"I am very confident that if you build it, they will come," Sorenson said. But, he added, "The question remains: Do we need both those big pipelines?" </p><p>Follow Todd Feathers on Twitter and Tout @ToddFeathers.</p>Students pedaling against the pipelinehttp://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_26074281/students-pedaling-against-pipeline26074281Pipeline foes: Keep out!http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_26115526/pipeline-foes-keep-out26115526Ashby pipeline opponents to join statewide marchhttp://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_26172123/ashby-pipeline-opponents-join-statewide-march26172123Environmental legend Marion Stoddart joins pipeline walk in Pepperellhttp://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_26200741/environmental-legend-marion-stoddart-joins-pipeline-walk-pepperell26200741/newsnatural-gas-pipeline-opponents-target-contractstrue106Natural-gas pipeline opponents target contracts6http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27812815/natural-gas-pipeline-opponents-target-contractsNews27812926TFront.htmtrueFrontBy Todd Feathers, tfeathers@lowellsun.comMon, 30 Mar 2015 07:02:16 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 07:02:20 EDTSun, 30 Mar 2025 07:02:13 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 08:38:50 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 08:37:38 EDT3651falseBy Todd Feathers&#44; tfeathers&#64;lowellsun&#46;com2015-03-30T07:02:16-04:0020150330T083850-04002015-03-30T07:02:48-04:0020150330T083738-04002015033003/30/20152025-03-30T07:02:13-04:0065YOn the farm, no time to wasteAfter brutal winter, scrambling to get in shape for the seasonAfter brutal winter, scrambling to get in shape for the seasonWESTFORD -- Under lukewarm rain, at the end of the warmest week in months, Keith Bohne and Gina McGlinchey crunched across the stubborn snowpack that covers their 10-acre apple orchard.WESTFORD -- Under lukewarm rain, at the end of the warmest week in months, Keith Bohne and Gina McGlinchey crunched across the stubborn snowpack that covers their 10-acre apple orchard.<p>WESTFORD -- Under lukewarm rain, at the end of the warmest week in months, Keith Bohne and Gina McGlinchey crunched across the stubborn snowpack that covers their 10-acre apple orchard. </p><p>The couple is looking eagerly ahead to picking season, when the gray monotone is replaced by the usual fall palette and, hopefully, a healthy crop of Cortland, Empire, Red and Yellow Delicious, and McIntosh apples. But there are weeks worth of work to complete before Bohne and McGlinchey can be confident in a robust harvest, and very little of it can be done with two feet of snow still on the ground. </p><p>The situation isn't yet dire on Drew Farm, but even in the orchard there are deadlines. </p><p>"Once the growing season starts and once the spring does break, we're in a real rush to start raising the crop," Bohne said. </p><p>That means digging a new drainage system for the 100 new trees they hope to plant, finishing the pruning they would usually have been doing all winter, and, most importantly, spraying the trees to protect them from insects and disease. But with more than 100 inches of snowfall, Bohne and McGlinchey were unable to see through their usual winter tasks. </p><p>"We weren't able to get out the entire month of February," McGlinchey said. </p><p>Drew Farm's harvest is in more danger due to the snow than other area farms because the apple trees must be pruned, and the snow that built up allowed rabbits to chew away the bark on branches they wouldn't otherwise have been able to reach. And Bohne worries that Westford's deer population will emerge from this harsh winter hungrier than ever and eat the apple blossoms before they turn into fruit. </p><p>Joanne DiNardo, president of Leominster's Friends of Sholan Farms and the city's conservation agent, said this winter could push back some of the work that is typically done in the spring by a few weeks. That includes preparing the soil. </p><p>"The soil gets so wet that if you try to prepare the fields, it will just be mud," she said. "You want things to dry out so you can till it and get fields ready for planting." </p><p>The snow also has prevented farm workers from pruning the bottom halves of trees and could delay the application of the season's first round of pesticides. </p><p>"We're hoping by the end of April we'll be good, but we still don't know," said DiNardo. "Mother Nature is making the calls. It's hard to control the disease if you don't do prevention." </p><p>At Shaw Farm, in Dracut, the snow had little effect on the dairy cows, which were kept comfortable inside a new barn, but it has already done damage to the family's bottom line. </p><p>"The worst impact on a farm like ours, because we're retailers, is that our retail took a pretty big hit," said Warren Shaw, the farm's owner. </p><p>Demand was high for Shaw Farm's home-delivery service given the weather, he said, but there were several days when the farm's store could not open and throughout the snowy months, sales fell along with the snow. </p><p>On top of that, the farm spent about $20,000 more clearing snow than it usually does. </p><p>"It was not a good winter for any business, and the thing that's particular to a farm is what will be left over," Shaw said. "How long will it take the snow to melt, and where will the water table be?" </p><p>Those are the main worries for most area farmers, although the recent bout of warm weather interspersed with cold nights bodes well for a slow melt. </p><p>"If we get delayed past the 15th of April, then it might hurt," said William Griggs, owner of Griggs Farm in Billerica. His land is primarily devoted to vegetables and flowers, some of which he grows in greenhouses. </p><p>"Unless your roof collapsed, it should have less than no effect, because nothing happens in the winter," Griggs said. "Most greenhouses are built so that you can just laugh off the storm." </p><p>Farmers in the Merrimack Valley have an advantage over those at higher elevations in Central and Western Massachusetts because the soil will likely dry faster in the lower, warmer altitudes, said Julie Rawsman, executive director of the Northeast Organic Farming Association. </p><p>But farms in the Merrimack River's flood plain could be in danger of their valuable topsoil washing away if the snow melts too fast. </p><p>"It depends a lot on how quickly it melts," Rawsman said. "But that's what we want at this point, is for it to come very slowly into spring." </p><p>For those like Bohne and McGlinchey, who are caught between the competing desires to start planting soon and maintain their healthy soil, this spring will be spent anxiously urging the sun to maintain a delicate balance. </p><p>"Hopefully, the eventual impact will be nil," Bohne said. "If we can get the pruning done and we can get the drainage done, we'll be fine." </p><p>City Editor Chris Camire contributed to this report.</p>

THE GOAL A HARVEST LIKE THIS: Joanne DiNardo, executive director of the Friends of Sholan Farms in Leominster, checks out the early apple crop in 2013. She said this winter could push back some of the work that is typically done in the spring by a few weeks. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE FILE PHOTO
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42211914http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__TFront~p2.jpg55236714650842211917http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__TFront~p2_100.jpg100661971042211918http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__TFront~p2_200.jpg2001332653242211919http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__TFront~p2_300.jpg3001993735342211920http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__TFront~p2_400.jpg4002665177542211921http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__TFront~p2_500.jpg500332691541/newsfarm-no-time-wastetrue106On the farm, no time to waste6http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27812926/farm-no-time-wasteNewsposition227812923imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__TFront~p2.jpgTHE GOAL A HARVEST LIKE THIS: Joanne DiNardo, executive director of the Friends of Sholan Farms in Leominster, checks out the early apple crop in 2013. She said this winter could push back some of the work that is typically done in the spring by a few weeks. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE FILE PHOTO
<br /><br />Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our <a href="http://mng-sen.smugmug.com">SmugMug</a> site.27812874SE_032815_KENNEDY.htmtrueFrontBy Nick Mallard, nmallard@sentinelandenterprise.comMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:52:19 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:52:20 EDTSun, 30 Mar 2025 06:52:19 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:52:48 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:52:21 EDT3651falseBy Nick Mallard&#44; nmallard&#64;sentinelandenterprise&#46;com2015-03-30T06:52:19-04:0020150330T065248-04002015-03-30T06:52:48-04:0020150330T065221-04002015033003/30/20152025-03-30T06:52:19-04:0032YESSAYS BROUGHT OPPORTUNITYMount Wachusett student joining Kennedy Institute dedicationMount Wachusett student joining Kennedy Institute dedicationGARDNER -- It's a very select audience that will be on hand to watch President Barack Obama help dedicate the Edward M.GARDNER -- It's a very select audience that will be on hand to watch President Barack Obama help dedicate the Edward M.<p>GARDNER -- It's a very select audience that will be on hand to watch President Barack Obama help dedicate the Edward M. Kennedy Institute in Boston today. </p><p>And among that select company will be a 23-year-old Marine Corps veteran who attends Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner. Aaron Trudeau, who hails from Jaffrey, N.H., will be in attendance, having been selected to take in the sights and sounds because of an essay he wrote. </p><p>A pair of essays gave Trudeau the opportunity to attend the dedication of the Kennedy Institute today, putting him in an audience that will see various senators and even the president himself. </p><p>"It's an amazing opportunity," Trudeau said Sunday afternoon. "I'm pretty excited about it. It's been an exciting few days." </p><p>The Kennedy Institute is named in honor of longtime U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, with the goal of engaging the public in the workings of the United States Senate. Kennedy died from brain cancer in 2009. </p><p>Visitors to the full-scale Senate chamber replica will be able to walk a mock Senate floor, cast votes and take part in debates in the $79 million facility. The Kennedy Institute is adjacent to the presidential library named for Kennedy's brother, President John F. Kennedy. </p><p>"It's a living legacy. It's not an inert building with his name on it," said Edward Kennedy's younger son, former Rhode Island U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy. </p><p>Trudeau says he was tipped off to the chance to attend by an administrator at Mount Wachusett. He eventually submitted a 200-word essay on the importance of community service, advancing through a preliminary round before writing another essay on why he wanted to attend the dedication and what it means to him. </p><p>"I received an email saying I was in a group of finalists and started the steps to receive a security clearance," Trudeau said. "A liaison got in touch with me asking if I'd be able to attend and I immediately responded. They sent me a confirmation e-mail on Wednesday saying I was in." </p><p>The Jaffrey resident says his wife Tasha was a huge influence on him writing the essays -- which detailed him enlisting in the Marines due to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11. </p><p>"It's why I became a Marine and I think it's still important for me to serve my country and community," he said. </p><p>Trudeau is currently majoring in liberal arts and science, with a focus on biological science. He hopes to transfer to the University of New Hampshire for pre-dental studies, before enlisting in the ROTC for dental school, with the goal of working as an Army dentist. </p><p>But for now, Trudeau is focused on waking up at 4:30 a.m. to make the trek to Boston, where he's expected to be by 7 a.m. Though he's been seperated from the Marine Corps since October, he says he's been in touch with former commanders and will be in full dress for the dedication. </p><p>While the Kennedy Institute will focus on educating visitors, it was also act as a tribute to the former Senator, with a recreation of his Senate office. </p><p>Among the items moved from his Capitol office is an American flag that flew at JFK's funeral. But mostly there are reminders of happier times: family photographs, writings or drawings made by his children at young ages and a painting of his beloved Portuguese water dogs, Sunny and Splash. Visitors will even notice the tennis balls he kept on the floor to occupy the dogs when they visited. </p><p>"One little corner of the building is my father," said Patrick Kennedy. "But just one." </p><p>Material from the Associated Press were used in this report.</p>/newsessays-brought-opportunitytrue106ESSAYS BROUGHT OPPORTUNITY3http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27812874/essays-brought-opportunityNews27812873SE_033015_ArtMascot.htmtrueFrontBy Michael Hartwell, mhartwell@sentinelandenterprise.comMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:52:12 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:52:13 EDTSun, 30 Mar 2025 06:52:10 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:52:48 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:52:14 EDT3651falseBy Michael Hartwell&#44; mhartwell&#64;sentinelandenterprise&#46;com2015-03-30T06:52:12-04:0020150330T065248-04002015-03-30T06:52:48-04:0020150330T065214-04002015033003/30/20152025-03-30T06:52:10-04:0032YArt that'll have the kids cheeringBeck's latest vision: a Red Raider statue built by FHS studentsBeck's latest vision: a Red Raider statue built by FHS studentsFITCHBURG -- Jerry Beck's latest public art project will be a student-built statue of Fitchburg High School's Red Raider mascot.FITCHBURG -- Jerry Beck's latest public art project will be a student-built statue of Fitchburg High School's Red Raider mascot.<p>FITCHBURG -- Jerry Beck's latest public art project will be a student-built statue of Fitchburg High School's Red Raider mascot. </p><p>Beck is raising money for the project and said the finished piece will be unveiled in May. </p><p>Beck is an artist who made a name for himself with his creation of the Revolving Museum, formally of Lowell but now in Fitchburg. He has also worked for the Fitchburg Art Museum and had a stint as the economic development director for the city of Fitchburg. </p><p>Beck said 40 years ago a schoolwide art project at his high school led him to become an artist. He was a lackluster student at Nova High School in Davie, Fla., and didn't have much interest in art. A ninth-grade teacher, Mr. Ryan, got him and many other students to pitch in for a mosaic honoring the school's Titan mascot. </p><p>"That project changed my life," said Beck. </p><p>He said that's what he wants to bring to Fitchburg High School, a collaborative art project that will get students excited, express school and civic pride, create something beautiful and, hopefully, kindle a love of art. </p><p>During his time as director of cultural affairs at Florida State University, Beck worked on a project redesigning the school's Seminole mascot. He saw it as a way of honoring the proud American Indian tribe, as well as highlighting the positive attributes of the community. </p><p>For the upcoming mascot statue project in Fitchburg, Beck wants the students to consider metaphors for the design, such as the facial expression and posture. He said the mascot will represent the personality of both the city and the school. </p><p>"It is an icon that represents a community and is symbolic of its pride and values," said Beck. </p><p>He said this figure will be male, and he'd like to follow up with a female figure in the following year. </p><p>In his vision, the statue will be 10-12 feet tall and built on a wooden base that can be wheeled and trucked from the high- school lobby to public events, such as football games, pep rallies and Fitchburg's annual Civic Days celebration. </p><p>Mark Cook, president of Advance Coating Co. and a member of FHS Class of 1969, has agreed to coat the sculpture in resin and fiberglass to make it sturdy and durable. </p><p>"There's going to be a lot of handwork to do it, but it should be good and rugged when it comes out," he said. </p><p>Cook said the statue will include a metal skeleton that is covered with tape. Putty will be pressed and shaped into areas that need more strength before the structure is hand-laminated with fiberglass. The result will be an opaque, matte shell. </p><p>Another contributor is Martin Babineau, a FHS alumni and general manager of North End Subaru and Mazda Automotive Group. He's given $500 to the project. Beck said $1,600 is the fundraising goal and sponsors who donate $250 and up will have their logos or names displayed on the pedestal of the statue. </p><p>FHS Principal Jeremy Roche said he's excited about the project and looks forward to getting the students involved. </p><p>Besides physically building the statue, Beck said there will be many elements of the project students can contribute to, such as written essays on the school's Red Raider Way empowerment campaign and who the Red Raider is. He also wants students to come up with ideas of things to stuff into the statue, such as books or other symbolic items that will be hidden from view. </p><p>The completed statue will be unveiled on May 20 during a FHS multicultural festival. </p><p>Follow Michael Hartwell at <a href="http://facebook.com/michaelhartwell" >facebook.com/michaelhartwell</a> or on Twitter or Tout @Sehartwell.</p><a href="http://facebook.com/michaelhartwell">facebook.com/michaelhartwell</a>

"It is an icon that represents a community and is symbolic of its pride and values."
Revolving Museum Director Jerry Beck
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42211769http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__SE_033015_ArtMascot~p2.jpg90129174052/newsart-thatll-have-kids-cheeringtrue106Art that'll have the kids cheering3http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27812873/art-thatll-have-kids-cheeringNewsposition127812872imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__SE_033015_ArtMascot~p1.jpgA Red Raider statue is coming to Fitchburg High, thanks to an art project headed by Revolving Museum Director Jerry Beck. SUBMITTED PHOTO ILLUSTRATION
<br /><br />Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our <a href="http://mng-sen.smugmug.com">SmugMug</a> site.position227812871imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0330/20150330__SE_033015_ArtMascot~p2.jpg"It is an icon that represents a community and is symbolic of its pride and values."
Revolving Museum Director Jerry Beck
<br /><br />Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our <a href="http://mng-sen.smugmug.com">SmugMug</a> site.27812867SE_033015_resistingpipeline.htrueFrontBy Rik Stevens, Associated PressMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:51:32 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:51:33 EDTSun, 30 Mar 2025 06:51:30 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:52:48 EDTMon, 30 Mar 2015 06:51:34 EDT3651falseBy Rik Stevens&#44; Associated Press2015-03-30T06:51:32-04:0020150330T065248-04002015-03-30T06:52:48-04:0020150330T065134-04002015033003/30/20152025-03-30T06:51:30-04:0032YDespite highest costs, Northeast resists natural-gas projectsCONCORD, N.H. -- There is near universal agreement that the Northeast has to expand its energy supply to rein in the nation's highest costs and that cheap, abundant, relatively clean natural gas could be at least a short-term answer.CONCORD, N.H. -- There is near universal agreement that the Northeast has to expand its energy supply to rein in the nation's highest costs and that cheap, abundant, relatively clean natural gas could be at least a short-term answer.<p>CONCORD, N.H. -- There is near universal agreement that the Northeast has to expand its energy supply to rein in the nation's highest costs and that cheap, abundant, relatively clean natural gas could be at least a short-term answer. But heels dig deep when it comes to those thorniest of questions: how and where? </p><p>Proposals to build or expand natural gas pipelines are met with an upswell of citizen discontent. At the end of last year, a Massachusetts route selected by Texas-based Kinder Morgan generated so much venom that the company nudged it north into New Hampshire -- where the venom is also flowing freely. During this winter's town meetings, a centuries-old staple of local governance in New England, people in the nine towns touched by the route voted to oppose the project. </p><p>That Northeast Direct line is one of about 20 pipeline projects being proposed throughout the Northeast, where savvy environmental and political forces combine with population density to provide a formidable bulwark. There's another reason the loudest protests are all coming from the region: They're where the gas is, waiting just east of the gas-rich Marcellus Shale region. </p><p>"Everyone seems to know the Northeast has a pipeline capacity problem, but not many seem to be willing to make many concessions to fix that problem," said Andrew Pusateri, senior utilities analyst for Edward Jones. </p><p>And these are folks who pay a lot to stay warm in the winter and keep the lights on in summer. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, New Englanders paid $14.52 per thousand cubic feet of gas in 2014, compared to $10.94 for the rest of the nation. ISO-New England, which operates the region's power grid, said in its 2015 Regional Electricity Outlook that natural gas availability is "one of the most serious challenges" the region faces as more coal and oil units go offline. </p><p>The Kinder Morgan plan would take gas from the plentiful Marcellus Shale region of Pennsylvania and pump it through a 36-inch line from Wright, N.Y., to Dracut. Along the way, it would cut across a 70-mile stretch of southern New Hampshire, tickling the Massachusetts line. About 90 percent of the project would be along an existing power line corridor. </p><p>Homer Shannon and his wife raised three children on their suburban plot in Windham, New Hampshire, where the pipeline would pass a few hundred feet from their house. The retired high-tech salesman is part of a 10-family group of neighbors opposed to the pipeline's route. </p><p>"This whole Northeast Direct thing is just fraught with question marks," Shannon said. "Why in the hell is it in New Hampshire anyway? They want to get it from New York to Massachusetts and if you draw that line on a map, it sure doesn't go through New Hampshire." </p><p>Opponents -- on the route and far from it -- worry about environmental and scenic harm, lower property values, the potential for accidents and the idea that relying on natural gas only forestalls a switch to more renewable sources like wind or solar. </p><p>"It would be really nice if, as a region, we had a coherent energy policy that stated, 'These are the things we need to do to improve our energy situation,"' Shannon said. "And if one of those things is I have to sacrifice part of my backyard for the greater good, I'd be willing to have that discussion. But I don't see it that way. I see it as them enriching themselves on my back and I don't like that." </p><p>In New York and Pennsylvania, the 124-mile Constitution Pipeline has also fanned flames of opposition, some of it pegged to the price the gas company is paying to take land. Of 651 landowners in New York and Pennsylvania affected by the $700 million pipeline project, 125 refused to sign right of way agreements. Condemnation proceedings undertaken by Constitution have largely resolved the remaining disputes, either through settlements or access granted by a judge. </p><p>Donald Santa, president and CEO of the Interstate Natural Gas Association of America, said it follows that the most complaints would come from the Northeast because that's where most of the pipeline activity is happening, largely because of the boom enabled by the Marcellus Shale. </p><p>"Having so much of this gas literally on the doorstep of the market has really increased the need to get the gas to consumers," Santa said. </p><p>Richard Wheatley, a spokesman for Kinder Morgan, said the company's pipeline is not the only one getting pushback. He declined to address the opposition specifically but said the company continues to reach out to landowners and others as the siting process moves along. The company expects to file a certificate with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission this year. </p><p>Pusateri, the Edward Jones analyst, said part of the resistance may also be inflamed because of how the gas gets out of the ground. The Marcellus Shale gas is extracted using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. The process, which blasts chemical-laden water into wells to crack open rock, has drawn heavy criticism. In New York, much of the antipathy toward pipelines was driven by the anti-fracking sentiment that resulted in Gov. Andrew Cuomo's ban on shale gas development in New York. </p><p>"All major projects have some opposition, but I would say this pipe has garnered more attention and protests and gained more steam than average," he said. "I think Kinder has done what they can to move the right of way of the pipe as much off of people's property as possible. They can do this by utilizing utility easements at times. I don't know that opposition really softens." </p><p>Associated Press writer Mary Esch in Albany, N.Y., contributed to this report.</p>/newsdespite-highest-costs-northeast-resists-natural-gas-projectstrue106Despite highest costs, Northeast resists natural-gas projects3http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27812867/despite-highest-costs-northeast-resists-natural-gas-projectsNews27808945SE_032915_TEA.htmtrueFrontBy Cliff Clark, cclark@sentinelandenterprise.comSun, 29 Mar 2015 06:53:32 EDTSun, 29 Mar 2015 09:37:49 EDTSat, 29 Mar 2025 06:53:31 EDTSun, 29 Mar 2015 09:38:49 EDTSun, 29 Mar 2015 09:38:14 EDT3650falseBy Cliff Clark&#44; cclark&#64;sentinelandenterprise&#46;com2015-03-29T06:53:32-04:0020150329T093849-04002015-03-29T06:54:51-04:0020150329T093814-04002015032903/29/20152025-03-29T06:53:31-04:0065YLeominster ladies turn out for tea, talk historyLEOMINSTER -- In a continuation of the city's yearlong centennial celebration, a Commemorative Tea was held Saturday afternoon at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in downtown.LEOMINSTER -- In a continuation of the city's yearlong centennial celebration, a Commemorative Tea was held Saturday afternoon at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in downtown.<p>LEOMINSTER -- In a continuation of the city's yearlong centennial celebration, a Commemorative Tea was held Saturday afternoon at the Pilgrim Congregational Church in downtown. </p><p>"I'm delighted to see the ladies of Leominster who supported this fabulous afternoon of fun, camaraderie and great food," said Colleen Faris, who was one of five who coordinated the afternoon tea that featured finger foods, an appearance by Frances Drake and a bit of history. </p><p>With more than 100 ladies, a few children and a couple of men in attendance, Mayor Dean Mazzarella pointed out the various displays of historical items used to create the atmosphere of the tea as he thanked all those that made the event a success. </p><p>Mazzarella pointed out a number of archival photographs of the 1915 graduates of the high school that had only recently been discovered and then, with a chuckle, explained the etiquette of a "low" tea, reminding everyone to leave their napkins in their seats instead of on their plates when they were finished. </p><p>The fare offered at the tea consisted of scones; pumpkin and lemon bread; watercres, cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches; and an assortment of mini pastries, all prepared under the guidance of the Guigo Salles, 18, who used the tea as his senior project in the culinary arts program at the high school's Center for Technical Excellence Innovation. </p><p>Pat Gallant, while sampling the scones and pumpkin bread off of period china embossed with images of wheat, said she enjoyed having the time to socialize with friends. </p><p>One of her friends, Mary Jane Allain, said, with a wry smile, she liked the tea because, "we can sit here and make believe we're gentle-ladies." </p><p>Two 6-year-olds roaming around the congregation hall said they were having fun looking at the colorful hats some of the ladies wore and eating cookies. </p><p>When asked what they would be doing if they weren't at the tea, Jocelyn Cleaves said she'd be playing in the snow. </p><p>Giana Salvi said she would be watching television on her tablet and playing with Legos. </p><p>Quickly becoming bored, Salvi pulled at Cleaves arm and said, "let's go wander around this place." </p><p>In between the courses of finger foods and pastries, high school senior Sabrina Collins, 18, portrayed Frances Drake, the abolitionist who lived on Franklin Street. </p><p>Wearing a bonnet, Collins described Drake's contributions to the abolitionist movement and her work on the Underground Railroad. </p><p>As Collins, who is African-American, finished her portrayal, she removed the bonnet and said, "I'm Sandra Collins, and I wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for Frances Drake." </p><p>Diane Sanabria, the vice president of the Leominster Historical Society, provided the tea attendees a presentation on the book, "14,000 miles: A Carriage and Two Women," written by Frances Howe in 1906 about her travels around New England with her friend Francie Allen. </p><p>Howe, who lived in the city at the turn of the 20th century, wrote about the unchaperoned trips the two took for seven summers beginning in 1872, making stops in Maine, New Hampshire and upstate New York. </p><p>In addition to Faris, Peggy Christofore, Corrine Thibodeau, Karen McNall and Joyce Gosselin coordinated the event. </p><p>Faris stopped for a moment to reflect on the success of the tea. </p><p>"It was the arrival of spring in a big way and brought pleasure and smiles to everyone's faces and was a lot of fun for us." </p><p>Follow Cliff Clark on Tout and Twitter @cliffcclark.</p>

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42202312http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_TEA~p1.jpg4803185060242202315http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_TEA~p1_100.jpg100661394342202316http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_TEA~p1_200.jpg2001331745042202317http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_TEA~p1_300.jpg3001992212742202318http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_TEA~p1_400.jpg400265277331/newsleominster-ladies-turn-out-tea-talk-historytrue106Leominster ladies turn out for tea, talk history6http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27808945/leominster-ladies-turn-out-tea-talk-historyNewsheader27808946imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_TEA~p1.jpgNo Published Caption
<br /><br />Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our <a href="http://mng-sen.smugmug.com">SmugMug</a> site.27808976TLocal.htmtrueLocal News *DailySentinel &amp; EnterpriseSun, 29 Mar 2015 07:02:11 EDTSun, 29 Mar 2015 07:02:13 EDTSat, 29 Mar 2025 07:02:09 EDTSun, 29 Mar 2015 09:34:49 EDTSun, 29 Mar 2015 09:33:30 EDT3650falseSentinel &amp; Enterprise2015-03-29T07:02:11-04:0020150329T093449-04002015-03-29T07:02:50-04:0020150329T093330-04002015032903/29/20152025-03-29T07:02:09-04:0065YNorth End Subaru in Lunenburg donates more than $10,000 to Boys &amp; Girls ClubsBy Cliff Clark
cclark@sentinel andenterprise.com
LUNENBURG -- The annual North End Subaru "Share the Love" sales event resulted in a donation of more than $10,000 to the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Lunenburg, Fitchburg and Leominster on SaturdayBy Cliff Clark
cclark@sentinel andenterprise.com
LUNENBURG -- The annual North End Subaru "Share the Love" sales event resulted in a donation of more than $10,000 to the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Lunenburg, Fitchburg and Leominster on Saturday<p>By Cliff Clark </p><p>cclark@sentinel <a href="http://andenterprise.com" >andenterprise.com</a> </p><p>LUNENBURG -- The annual North End Subaru "Share the Love" sales event resulted in a donation of more than $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lunenburg, Fitchburg and Leominster on Saturday morning. </p><p>"This is going to make a huge difference to the children in both clubs," said Michelle Belleza, director of the Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg, after accepting the donation of $10,877 from Subaru. </p><p>The donation will be equally divided between the two Boys & Girls Clubs that serve Lunenburg, Leominster and Fitchburg children. </p><p>"We didn't ask for this. They approached us, which I think makes it even more important that they recognize the value of what the club does for children," said Belleza. </p><p>Martin Babineau, general manager of North End Subaru, said the reason the Boys & Girls Clubs were chosen was because the dealership wanted to help out the area's children. </p><p>"We wanted to do something for the kids and do something that was important for a lot of people. And it was a fun thing to do," said Babineau. </p><p>Donata Martin, director of the Boys & Girls Club of Leominster and Fitchburg, said the donation will make a difference. </p><p>"It's going to help us with many of the programs we offer, and it will help with our expanded science programs and field trips," said Martin, adding that one field trip could involve a visit to North End Subaru, located at 757 Chase Road, for students to learn more about automotive technology. </p><p>Joe Altavilla, the district sales manager for Suburu of New England, said the "Share the Love" sales event was started seven years ago when customers were given the option, after making a new vehicle purchase, to designate $250 to one of five national charities, like the Make a Wish Foundation, Meal on Wheels or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. </p><p>In 2013, Subaru changed the program to allow individual dealerships to designate a local charity for the donation, said Altavilla. </p><p>As customers would finalize their purchase of a new vehicle, Babineau said, the sales staff explained the sales event, which began on Nov. 20 and ended on Dec. 31, and offered those customers to option of choosing one of the five national charities or the local organization. </p><p>Babineau said his sales team did an outstanding job of explaining the program to their customers and the benefits of the charitable donation. </p><p>"Customers got excited about it and allowed us to help them make a difference in the lives of the kids at the club," said Babineau. </p><p>Follow Cliff Clark on Tout and Twitter @cliffcclark.</p><a href="http://andenterprise.com">andenterprise.com</a>

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42202445http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__TLocal~p1.jpg4803186399642202448http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__TLocal~p1_100.jpg100661613042202449http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__TLocal~p1_200.jpg2001332059942202450http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__TLocal~p1_300.jpg3001992662442202451http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__TLocal~p1_400.jpg400265337551/newsdealership-donates-boys-amp-girls-clubstrue106North End Subaru in Lunenburg donates more than $10,000 to Boys &amp; Girls Clubs6http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27808976/dealership-donates-boys-amp-girls-clubsNewsheader27808977imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__TLocal~p1.jpgNo Published Caption
<br /><br />Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our <a href="http://mng-sen.smugmug.com">SmugMug</a> site.27808953SE_032915_AshbyRecall.htmtrueFrontBy Anna Burgess , aburgess@sentinelandenterprise.comSun, 29 Mar 2015 06:54:19 EDTSun, 29 Mar 2015 06:54:20 EDTSat, 29 Mar 2025 06:54:16 EDTSun, 29 Mar 2015 06:54:51 EDTSun, 29 Mar 2015 06:54:21 EDT3650falseBy Anna Burgess &#44; aburgess&#64;sentinelandenterprise&#46;com2015-03-29T06:54:19-04:0020150329T065451-04002015-03-29T06:54:51-04:0020150329T065421-04002015032903/29/20152025-03-29T06:54:16-04:0032YIngerson's fate in Ashby voters' handsASHBY -- In a small town with fewer than 2,500 registered voters, it only takes a few hundred people to oust a local official.ASHBY -- In a small town with fewer than 2,500 registered voters, it only takes a few hundred people to oust a local official.<p>ASHBY -- In a small town with fewer than 2,500 registered voters, it only takes a few hundred people to oust a local official. On Monday, Ashby residents may do just that. </p><p>Ashby voters head to the polls Monday for a recall election that seeks to remove Selectman Steve Ingerson from office. Ingerson's fellow selectmen, Michael McCallum and Janet Flinkstrom, began a campaign to recall Ingerson in November based on his refusal to sign payroll warrants. </p><p>They obtained more than 500 signatures on a petition for a recall election, 70 more than the 430 signatures necessary. Now, following months of tense selectmen meetings, voters will make the final call on whether Ingerson stays or goes. </p><p>"I think any time somebody has to be recalled, it's sad," Flinkstrom said. "It could have been better. Steve had some good ideas, but he wasn't willing to compromise." </p><p>McCallum said Ingerson "for many months, refused to sign off on payroll and vendor warrants, and selectmen have to sign warrants in order for people to get paid." </p><p>There are situations in which a selectman might dispute a particular payment, McCallum said, but in that case, he would refuse to sign only that line item as opposed to the whole warrant. </p><p>For several months, McCallum and Flinkstrom prevented any real problems by being present at all selectmen meetings so that two of the three selectmen could always sign off on warrants. </p><p>But then, "I got stuck on a job one Wednesday and he wouldn't sign, so the bills didn't get paid." </p><p>"The treasurer had to come in on Saturday so that people would get their paychecks, and they still got them a couple days later," McCallum said. "That was the straw that broke the camel's back." </p><p>The recall ballot has two questions. The first asks voters whether they wish to recall Ingerson from office, and the second asks voters to choose one of three candidates to fill Ingerson's seat in the event that he is recalled. Ingerson is one of the three. The other two are Mark Haines, who owns a local business and has previously served on the Historic District Commission, and Lillian Whitney, who has previously served on the Finance Committee and ran for Flinkstrom's selectman seat last year. </p><p>When asked to comment, Ingerson said his viewpoint is publicly available on a website he created, <a href="http://ashbyyouneedtoknow.com" >ashbyyouneedtoknow.com</a>. In an open letter to Ashby residents, Ingerson wrote that he is simply trying to curb excess spending of taxpayer money. </p><p>"The reason I ran for the seat is that I sensed a need for someone to get a closer look at where the taxpayers' money was being spent," Ingerson wrote. "I took the job with the attitude that I would curb spending and promote efficiency and transparency from town employees ... this approach was not met with open arms, as I quickly discovered. I have been attacked by my fellow selectmen when I raised any questions which expose waste that they routinely rubber stamp." </p><p>"The real reason Mrs. Flinkstrom and Mr. McCallum want me out of office is that they fear that I am very close to exposing many examples of corruption, conspiracy and nepotism, which has become standard operating procedure in your Town Hall," the letter continued. "They have used your hard earned tax dollars for this purpose. I can honestly say that the only way to put a stop to this abuse once and for all is to re-elect me so that I can continue to hold taxes down." </p><p>Ashby resident Thomas Wuth said he doesn't know Ingerson well, but the website makes him seem "a little paranoid." </p><p>"The selectmen are there for the benefit of the town," he said, "so to have your own personal agenda isn't right." </p><p>Flinkstrom said much of the information put forth by Ingerson, including information about herself, is refuted on a different website, <a href="http://ashbyneedstoknow.com" >ashbyneedstoknow.com</a>. </p><p>Ingerson's claim that he has requested information from Town Hall and not received it, Flinkstrom said, is "totally untrue." </p><p>"He said people have blocked him from getting information, but there are piles and piles of things he's requested in Town Hall," she said. </p><p>"Either he's been led down the wrong path by people who have a vendetta for somebody, or he has other issues," she added. "I don't know what his agenda is." </p><p>Flinkstrom said she is confident the recall will go through. McCallum, however, said he never tries to predict things like this. </p><p>"It's up to the voters," he said. "We'll let it go and see what happens. Five hundred people were ready to throw him out in December, but the process is so slow that now, who knows?" </p><p>If Ingerson is not recalled, Flinkstrom said she "thinks the problems will continue." </p><p>"He's not learning the rules," she said. "The government is different than a regular business." </p><p>Ashby resident Skip Schippers, who said Ingerson is "a friend," said he couldn't predict what would happen Monday. </p><p>"It depends on who turns out," Schippers said. "Five hundred people signed the recall petition, and that's a lot, but on the other hand, Mr. Ingerson was elected with 350 people, which is huge." </p><p>McCallum mentioned this number as well. </p><p>"I've never gotten 350 votes," he said. He added that he was one of the people who voted Ingerson into office. </p><p>"I thought he'd be fine, but that's not how it turned out," he said. </p><p>Wuth said everyone he has talked to about the issue has said they will vote to recall Ingerson. </p><p>"In my opinion, he's gone," Wuth said. "I guarantee my vote won't be in his favor." </p><p>Echoing Flinkstrom, Schippers said the recall is "unfortunate." </p><p>"It's a small town," he said. "Everyone knows each other pretty much. Everyone gets along. So I hope it works out, one way or another." </p><p>If Ashby voters do recall Ingerson, the town will become part of an ongoing trend this year. </p><p>While recall provisions have existed in many city and town charters since the 1960s, the past several months seem to illustrate the growing popularity of the recall. </p><p>On Nov. 4, Lancaster residents voted overwhelmingly to recall two of their three selectmen, based on a controversy over the selectmen's decision not to renew the contract of a popular town administrator. </p><p>On Dec. 16, voters in Fall River successfully recalled their mayor after he repeatedly raised taxes and fees for his constituents. </p><p>Other recalls or plans for recalls have taken place in multiple Massachusetts towns this past year. </p><p>Most recently, on March 17, residents of Saugus voted to recall four of their five selectmen. Similar to Lancaster, the recall election was prompted by the four selectmen voting to dismiss the longtime town manager. </p><p>But Flinkstrom said she doesn't think the other recent recalls will affect Ashby voters' decision one way or another. </p><p>"This is a really independent town," she said. </p><p>McCallum agreed. </p><p>"It's not based on what happened anywhere else," he said. "It's a local issue."</p><a href="http://ashbyyouneedtoknow.com">ashbyyouneedtoknow.com</a><a href="http://ashbyneedstoknow.com">ashbyneedstoknow.com</a>

No Published Caption
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42202329http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_AshbyRecall~p1.jpg4202955300642202332http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_AshbyRecall~p1_100.jpg100701692542202333http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_AshbyRecall~p1_200.jpg2001402091642202334http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_AshbyRecall~p1_300.jpg3002112623242202335http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_AshbyRecall~p1_400.jpg400281338671/newsingersons-fate-ashby-voters-handstrue106Ingerson's fate in Ashby voters' hands3http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27808953/ingersons-fate-ashby-voters-handsNewsposition127808951imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0329/20150329__SE_032915_AshbyRecall~p1.jpgNo Published Caption
<br /><br />Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our <a href="http://mng-sen.smugmug.com">SmugMug</a> site.27804740SE_032815_AndreuFolo.htmtrueFrontBy Anna Burgess, aburgess@sentinelandenterprise.comSat, 28 Mar 2015 07:50:15 EDTSat, 28 Mar 2015 07:50:17 EDTFri, 28 Mar 2025 07:49:21 EDTSat, 28 Mar 2015 09:36:48 EDTSat, 28 Mar 2015 09:34:49 EDT3649falseBy Anna Burgess&#44; aburgess&#64;sentinelandenterprise&#46;com2015-03-28T07:50:15-04:0020150328T093648-04002015-03-28T07:50:48-04:0020150328T093449-04002015032803/28/20152025-03-28T07:49:21-04:0065YAndreu's family: We're blessed to have had herLANCASTER -- The family and friends of a local woman remembered her caring personality, spiritual devotion, and beautiful singing voice after her death earlier this week.LANCASTER -- The family and friends of a local woman remembered her caring personality, spiritual devotion, and beautiful singing voice after her death earlier this week.<p>LANCASTER -- The family and friends of a local woman remembered her caring personality, spiritual devotion, and beautiful singing voice after her death earlier this week. </p><p>Kimberly Andreu, a 21-year-old from Lancaster, died unexpectedly last Tuesday. Andreu was a student at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tenn., and was found in her dorm room after friends grew concerned that she wasn't responding to texts and phone calls. The past few days, said Andreu's younger sister Kathleen, have been surreal. </p><p>"It doesn't feel real yet," Kathleen said on Friday. "It doesn't feel like it happened." </p><p>Kathleen said her sister was an "amazing" and open-minded person. </p><p>"She was very kindhearted," she said. "She always put others before herself." </p><p>One of Kim's close friends, Michelle Oliveira, started a GoFundMe campaign this week to help Andreu's family pay for her funeral arrangements. On the page, she wrote that Kim "was a lively young woman with a contagious smile and outgoing personality." </p><p>"We hold on to the promise that Jesus is coming soon," she wrote, "and it is this hope that will keep family and friends strong during this difficult time." </p><p>Another friend, Melodie Alvarez, a fellow student at SAU, posted a tribute to Kim on her Instagram account. </p><p>"You were the closest friend I had here and I so valued the constant laughs that came with you being around," Alvarez wrote. "You just had a knack for making people feel comfortable...with everyone's life that you've touched, it seems like you're still here." </p><p>SAU held a memorial service for Kim on Friday night at the school. </p><p>When Kim wasn't at school, she lived in Lancaster with her mother Sueleni, her grandparents Daniel and Lilia Soares, her stepfather Carlos Pimentel, Kathleen, and their younger brother Kevin. They have another sister, Ellen, who lives with their father, Clovis. </p><p>Kathleen said the family is "very close," and have been supporting one another since hearing of Kim's death. </p><p>As the oldest sister, Kim was "like a mom" to her younger siblings, Kathleen said. </p><p>"She always took care of us," she said. </p><p>Kim was studying to be a speech pathologist at Southern Adventist University, Sueleni said, which fit with her caring personality. </p><p>"She wanted to serve others," added Kathleen. </p><p>Kim played sports, such as volleyball and basketball, and loved to sing, especially Gospel music. Her Brazilian heritage was important to her, and she studied in Brazil for a year during high school. </p><p>She was also a very spiritual person, who "showed God through her actions," Kathleen said. </p><p>Kim was a member of the Lancaster Portuguese Seventh-day Adventist Church, and sang in several choirs. </p><p>"One of the things she wrote in her diary," Sueleni said, "was that she knew Jesus was calling her. She decided she was going to not only sing, but to read the Bible every day." </p><p>She said Kim was hoping to go on a mission trip later this year or next year. </p><p>"Our family was blessed to have Kim for 21 years," Sueleni said, "and even though our hearts are broken, we are thankful for that." </p><p>A celebration of Kim's life and funeral service will be held this morning at 9 a.m. at the Lancaster Portuguese Seventh-day Adventist Church.</p>

Andreu

42191142http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0328/20150328_073441_Image_7.jpg669436281/newsandreus-family-were-blessed-have-had-hertrue106Andreu's family: We're blessed to have had her6http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27804740/andreus-family-were-blessed-have-had-herNewsposition127803177imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0328/20150328_073441_Image_7.jpgAndreu 27804739SE_032815_CityWebsite.htmtrueFrontBy Michael Hartwell, mhartwell@sentinelandenterprise.comSat, 28 Mar 2015 07:50:13 EDTSat, 28 Mar 2015 07:50:14 EDTFri, 28 Mar 2025 07:49:21 EDTSat, 28 Mar 2015 08:12:48 EDTSat, 28 Mar 2015 08:11:50 EDT3649falseBy Michael Hartwell&#44; mhartwell&#64;sentinelandenterprise&#46;com2015-03-28T07:50:13-04:0020150328T081248-04002015-03-28T07:50:48-04:0020150328T081150-04002015032803/28/20152025-03-28T07:49:21-04:0065YIT working on neglected city websiteFITCHBURG -- Fitchburg's Information Technology Department has started cleaning up its long-broken website, fixing dead links and pulling down empty pages after receiving authorization from the mayor's office on Friday.FITCHBURG -- Fitchburg's Information Technology Department has started cleaning up its long-broken website, fixing dead links and pulling down empty pages after receiving authorization from the mayor's office on Friday.<p>FITCHBURG -- Fitchburg's Information Technology Department has started cleaning up its long-broken website, fixing dead links and pulling down empty pages after receiving authorization from the mayor's office on Friday. </p><p>The poor condition of the city website has been a sore spot for city councilors. Trevor Bonilla, manager of IT, said his two-man department is overwhelmed with taking care of 180 computers for police, fire, public works, water, wastewater and other departments. </p><p>"It's an unbelievable amount of work for two people," said Bonilla. </p><p>He said the problem started about eight years ago, when the city purchased a content management system -- the software used to update the website -- from a small Fitchburg business. That company has since folded and sold the rights of the software to another company in Fall River. That company charges the city $175 an hour to make changes to the website. </p><p>For three years Bonilla has been requesting money from the city to provide a new content-management system, one from a larger, established company. An item currently before the city's finance committee requests a $42,000 to buy a new content managent system from Civic Plus, which Bonilla said is used for websites in 47 commonwealth municipalities, and 1,800 municipalities nationwide. </p><p>Bonilla said his department is in a tough position. The city council is blaming the IT Department for the poor quality of the website, but also won't hire another IT worker to run the website. He previously had a paid intern he wanted to hire full-time. Ten hours of that employee's work week would have been dedicated to the website. </p><p>During a Finance Committee meeting two weeks ago, councilors requested Bonilla present a policy on how the website is to be updated. Before Tuesday's Finance Committee meeting, he provided a written policy created by the mayor's office and the IT Department, but most councilors didn't like it. </p><p>According to that policy, department heads are responsible for sections of the website related to their department, and if there is a problem such as information not being placed online in time, Bonilla asks them to fix it. However, he has no formal authority over department heads, and if they don't fix the problem he can go to the mayor. </p><p>Bonilla said the policy has his department work with other departments the same way the Purchasing Department does. </p><p>City Councilor Stephan Hay was critical of the procedure. </p><p>"I think this sets us up for failure and sets us up to have infighting between the IT Department and the managers of all the departments in the city of Fitchburg, which is an unreasonable position to put the head of the IT Department in." he said. "There should be none of that." </p><p>In an interview Friday, Bonilla said he supports the policy, and disagrees with the alternative of having to report problems directly to the mayor without contacting department heads first. He said that is a slow, inefficient approach and it sets up potential hostilities between himself and department heads. </p><p>Councilor Marcus DiNatale was critical at Tuesday's meeting that for at least a month, a page on the city website called "Doing Business in Fitchburg" has been completely blank. </p><p>"Every time I go on that website there are broken links, there's missing information. We're talking about not being business friendly, and we have a whole page dedicated to business and it's blank," said DiNatale. </p><p>He said there's nothing in the proposal for a new website that would guarantee or safeguard against future website neglect. </p><p>Bonilla responded at the meeting that there's nothing in the current system that alerts IT to broken pages, but said the new content management system would and would alert them when departments fail to update their sections periodically. </p><p>Councilor Jeff Bean said he's been talking about problems with the city website for several years, and as for the "Doing Business in Fitchburg" page, he said Bonilla should have deleted the page himself. </p><p>"Just take that link out. It's embarrassing to click on it. It's not broken, it's just blank," said Bean. </p><p>Bonilla's reply was that that page is under the authority of the city's economic development director, a position that is currently empty, and until he was contacted Friday, he lacked the authority to take it out. </p><p>That page was still blank as of 5 p.m. Friday after the close of city offices. </p><p>Councilor Michael Kushmerek said the current website is deplorable, but remarked that it sounds like the city does have a plan to improve it. </p><p>"I'm impressed that I have someone here who's saying, 'Hold me accountable. Let me do my job. Give my the funds to get the new website.'" said Kushmerek. </p><p>Follow Michael Hartwell at <a href="http://facebook.com/michaelhartwell" >facebook.com/michaelhartwell</a> or on Twitter or Tout @Sehartwell.</p><a href="http://facebook.com/michaelhartwell">facebook.com/michaelhartwell</a>

The city of Fitchburg's website
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42191002http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0328/20150328__SE_032815_CityWebsite~p1.jpg3142562547142191005http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0328/20150328__SE_032815_CityWebsite~p1_100.jpg10082945442191006http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0328/20150328__SE_032815_CityWebsite~p1_200.jpg2001631237342191007http://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0328/20150328__SE_032815_CityWebsite~p1_300.jpg300245165271/newsit-working-neglected-city-websitetrue106IT working on neglected city website6http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27804739/it-working-neglected-city-websiteNewsposition127804731imagehttp://extras.mnginteractive.com/live/media/site106/2015/0328/20150328__SE_032815_CityWebsite~p1.jpgThe city of Fitchburg's website
<br /><br />Sentinel and Enterprise staff photos can be ordered by visiting our <a href="http://mng-sen.smugmug.com">SmugMug</a> site.27804730SE_032815_DrugBust.htmtrueFrontBy Chris Camire, ccamire@sentinelandenterprise.comSat, 28 Mar 2015 07:49:48 EDTSat, 28 Mar 2015 07:49:50 EDTFri, 28 Mar 2025 07:49:05 EDTSat, 28 Mar 2015 07:50:48 EDTSat, 28 Mar 2015 07:49:50 EDT3649falseBy Chris Camire&#44; ccamire&#64;sentinelandenterprise&#46;com2015-03-28T07:49:48-04:0020150328T075048-04002015-03-28T07:50:48-04:0020150328T074950-04002015032803/28/20152025-03-28T07:49:05-04:0032YSix pounds of pot seized in Holden bustHOLDEN -- A five-month police investigation culminated in the Thursday arrest of a 23-year-old Holden man on multiple narcotics and gun charges.HOLDEN -- A five-month police investigation culminated in the Thursday arrest of a 23-year-old Holden man on multiple narcotics and gun charges.<p>HOLDEN -- A five-month police investigation culminated in the Thursday arrest of a 23-year-old Holden man on multiple narcotics and gun charges. </p><p>Norman Fanion, of 91 Lincoln Ave., was arraigned in Leominster District Court on Friday and charged with possession of a Class D substance, possession of a Class D substance with intent to distribute, distributing a Class D substance, illegal possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm without a Firearms Identification Card. </p><p>Police began looking into Fanion's activities in October, when several of his neighbors contacted authorities because they believed someone was dealing drugs out of the 91 Lincoln Ave. home Fanion was renting with his girlfriend. </p><p>The residents said cars would visit the house at all hours of the day and stay for only a few minutes. One neighbor even provided police with handwritten notes detailing the dates, times and license plate numbers of the cars that frequented Fanion's home, according to court documents. </p><p>The first step Holden police took in their investigation was to obtain the electrical usage rate for Fanion's home to compare it with that of addresses nearby. A higher than usual rate could be a sign that someone was growing marijuana at the home, a process that requires special high-powered lights. </p><p>The electrical usage report proved inconclusive because Fanion had only been living at the home for 1 1/2 billing cycles, which police said was not enough time to obtain an accurate comparison. </p><p>The next step police took was to go through Fanion's trash, which they obtained by working with Casella Trash Removal, the company contracted to do curbside trash pick-up in Holden. </p><p>Among the items found in Fanion's trash were multiple "blunt" wrapper packages and small amounts of burnt marijuana, according to court documents. Police said the findings strongly suggested the presence of marijuana in the home but did not clearly indicate that drugs were being sold. </p><p>In late December, police installed a video camera capable of observing traffic coming to and going from Fanion's home. They monitored the house from Jan. 1 to March 27. </p><p>Video showed people arriving at the home, going inside, and leaving three to five minutes later, according to court documents. The number of cars frequenting the home was consistent with drug activity, said police. </p><p>Throughout the course of the investigation, police learned that Fanion was most likely unemployed and remained at the home throughout the day. They also learned that his live-in girlfriend, Emily Todd, likely had a job and left for work at 7 a.m. </p><p>Police received a break in the case on Thursday, when video surveillance showed a pickup truck -- with no front license plate and the rear license plate obstructed by a large fan that was hanging out of the back of the truck bed -- visit the home for a short period of time and then leave. </p><p>Police pulled the vehicle over and allegedly found the occupants to be in possession of marijuana. They arrested Mariah Daniels, 20, of 432 Old Oxford St., Auburn, and Ryan Lucier, 24, of 16 Main St., Auburn. </p><p>Daniels and Lucier were both charged with possessing more than one ounce of marijuana and brought to the Holden Police Station for questioning. </p><p>Once at the police station, Lucier told police he had purchased a quarter of a pound of marijuana for $750 for personal use. He was hesitant to reveal who he had purchased the drugs from. </p><p>When police told Lucier that they thought he was selling the drugs to make money and that they planned to seize his phone records to prove it, Lucier agreed to cooperate and gave police written consent to search his phone. Lucier's phone records showed that his most recent text message was to a number labeled as "Norm." </p><p>Lucier told "Norm" in his text message that he would "be there in like 30," and "Norm" replied, "Kk meng," according to court documents. The website <a href="http://UrbanDictionary.com" >UrbanDictionary.com</a> defines "meng" as a slang term for "man." </p><p>In another text message, "Norm" says to Lucier, "I have some stuff close to the stuff u were looking for 650 a qp lemme knows," according to court documents. The same documents showed that there were several other text messages dating back to Feb. 21 in which "Norm" and Lucier are talking about and arranging marijuana "deals." </p><p>After speaking with Lucier, investigators paid a visit to Fanion's home. Fanion greeted them at the door, cordially invited the officers inside and called for Todd. </p><p>Police informed Fanion that his home had been under surveillance for months, at which point Fanion gave the officers consent to search the premises. He and Todd signed documents stating they were aware of their Miranda rights, although Fanion told the officers that Todd was not involved in his drug-dealing operation. </p><p>Fanion then brought the officers into his bedroom and produced a bag filled with six pounds of marijuana and $54,350 in cash. Fanion would later tell police that $44,350 of the money was from dealing drugs and $10,000 was from the sale of a motor vehicle, according to court documents. </p><p>Fanion told the officers that he did not have any weapons, but police quickly discovered a 9mm semi-automatic gun. Fanion was placed in handcuffs for the officers' safety. He would later tell police that he was holding the gun for a friend, according to court documents. </p><p>As police continued to search the home, a female arrived at the house and admitted to police that she was looking for "baby Norm" so she could buy marijuana from him. Police confiscated the woman's money and captured pictures of texts between her and Fanion after she gave them permission to do so. </p><p>Police also contacted the Department of Children and Families because there was a child living at the home. The child appeared to be well-cared for and the home was neat and orderly, according to court documents. </p><p>Once at the police station, court documents show that Fanion admitted to having dealt drugs since he was 17-years-old. He told police he usually sells a quarter-of-a-pound of marijuana for $650-$750, depending on the person. He also told police that he is "fronted" the marijuana for $2,500 per pound, and that the six pounds he had stored in his home is worth $15,000. </p><p>Fanion has been charged with possession of a class D substance with intent to distribute on two previous occasions. </p><p>Follow Chris Camire on Twitter @chriscamire.</p><a href="http://UrbanDictionary.com">UrbanDictionary.com</a>/newssix-pounds-pot-seized-holden-busttrue106Six pounds of pot seized in Holden bust3http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/news/ci_27804730/six-pounds-pot-seized-holden-bustNews